NEW MM UK Meeting ~ 23rd Sept, Fri 23rd Sept ~ Winchester Options

[Guest_Nina_*]

James - I do believe I did volunteer to sort out dates.  Perhaps it would be a good idea if everyone could PM me the dates they are NOT able to make for the last two weeks in August and first two in September, then I can work out which dates are mutually available.  

What I'll do is create a spreadsheet and block out dates people can't make.

Nina

[Guest_Jox_*]

Hi,

You're a Nina, Stella. Was that right???

Thanks... I'll know by Monday, hopefully.

What about locations - I did say if we opt for the Reading area I can sort out pubs - But which area of the country do we wish to meet in? A straight pencil and ruler thing between us all will probably always put us near Swindon. Maybe some people would prefer elsewhere?

J.

[Guest_Nina_*]

You're a Nina, Stella. Was that right???

ROFL.  I've been called lots of things in my life, but never stella!!!

Nina (I think)

[Guest_Nina_*]

the Reading area suits me best, preferrably within about half an hour's walk from a railway station.  I don't particularly want to go all the way to Swindon again, though  Reading will be a bit further for Grace.
Fran - how convenient or difficult would the Reading area be for you, if you come by train?

Nina

[Guest_Toumai_*]

Hi Nina,  :sun:

Compared to Swindon, Reading is SO easy on the train (at least at the moment on a weekday)    :sings:  :dance:

Not much over 2 hours. Wonderful! It would take longer to drive (wheras I could have driven to Swindon in a third of the time of my rail journey there).

Yippee!

Fran

[Guest_Jox_*]

Nina,

You do not, repeat not want to walk in Reading. In my opinion, it is a nasty, violent town with some awful crimes. However, it has a big mainline station and it would be easy to pick you up from there and take you to a country pub. The area round is fine but I would strongly advise against meeting in Reading town centre - I certainly hate it - have been to pubs there quite a few times. OK, lunch is better than evening but nope, not Reading centre, not for me.

J.

[Guest_Nina_*]

I wasn't necessarily meaning Reading station when I said within half an hour of a station, there are smaller stations in towns  on the Paddington to Reading line.  Having said that, I used to live not far from Kings Cross station in London and walk around there quite happily during the day.

Nina

[Guest_Jox_*]

Hi Nina,

Reading Station is the best along there because it is mainline and major - none of the rest are as important until one reaches Bristol or London (E or W). I know nothing about King's Cross. But I do know about the stabbings and shootings in Reading - having worked there fifteen years (the most recent in a park opposit my old school where two teenagers were beaten, stabbed and shot. Sure it was the early hours but not a good recommendation). I just find it very unpleasant. I should think all would be fine but it is not a town centre I ever loiter in.

J.

[Guest__*]

Dear All,

If reading is that bad, I would have thought outside Oxfords would be good.

Love
Alan

[Guest_Jox_*]

Oxford is the murder centre of Britain...

but luckily the vast majority are in Inspector Morse.

:)

J.

[Cybele]

Good morning each,

Reading area is fine with me. I will PM unsuitable dates to you this afternoon Nina, many thanks.

[Guest_Toumai_*]

Hi all,

Reading is fine by me, assuming there will be knights or knightesses who can offer lifts from station to pub and return.

Oxford is also easy by train, and I have contacts there - tho whether they are civilised enough to know any 'good' pubs is debatable.

Fran

[Guest_Jox_*]

So Reading area or Oxford area?

I'm happy with Reading area - just not the town / city.

Oxford has some nice central pubs ("The Bear" is my fav but very small and pokey - lovely collection of ties) but an out of town pub may be best  - quieter, easier accessed for those travelling by car - Oxford is very congested. But I know I loathe towns / cities so I'm biased!

My pref would be a country pub near either place. I may well be able to give a lift from the railway station of either. I know some pubs in the Reading out-of-town area (if that helps). And I am delighted to research pubs in the Oxford area (hic).

For the M4, Reading is far better. This will help Grace - who has to come a long way, even to Reading. For me personally, Reading is closest - as I say I travelled there daily for fifteen years. But Oxford is fine. Oxford is off the M40.

Cheers, J.

[Guest__*]

Dear Fran,

I can probably do better than that - if this is on Aug Fri 26th, I will be travelling from our meet to N Wales, which if I am not mistaken takes me right through Toumailand Cenral ?

I'd be delighted to offer you a lift home, as long as you don't mind Nosey, my friend Mike, who will be travelling with me to the Vam Morrison concert up there.

Mike is a very educated drinker.

Love
Alan

[Guest_Nina_*]

It seems as if Reading would be easier for most people, especially Grace, who has a long way to come

Nina

[Guest__*]

Dear Nina,

I've just looked on a map - Oxford and Reading are about the same distance from Swindon on the M4, and those are quite good roads. There are some lovely pubs around Witney, Cotswold stuff !

Love
Alan

[Guest_Nina_*]

Whitney seems almost as far away from me as Swindon.  

Nina

[Guest_Toumai_*]

Hi Alan,

What a sweet offer (LOL, Nina, can everyone make Alan's favoured date? He is very keen). Thank you very much. I may pop back to Oxford to visit friends, but otherwise would be delighted to take it up.

Fran

[Guest_Jox_*]

Hi,

As I say I don't mind but I will point out that Oxford / Witney is not on the M4. So I'm confused.

J.

[Guest_Nina_*]

So far yes, Alan's favourite date is still free, but I haven't heard from everyone yet, so we shall have to wait and see.

Nina